Middle and Upper School Overview

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL

independent all-girls school in New York City. Our community has lived the mission of our foundress St. Madeleine Sophie Barat since 1881 by inspiring generations of students to lead meaningful lives. Today, our vibrant, mission-driven Catholic school empowers each young woman to share her passion and purpose. We celebrate our Sacred Heart heritage and traditions as we strive for higher excellence and pursue a bold vision for our future.

WELCOME

Sacred Heart is the oldest

MISSION As part of a 200-year tradition of Sacred Heart education and a global network of 41 countries and over 150 schools, 91st Street is committed to a set of principles shared by all Sacred Heart schools. Known as the “Goals and Criteria,” these principles articulate the core components of a Sacred Heart education, and charge our community with a unified educational mission. At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that each child possesses unique gifts. Our job is to unearth those gifts, nurture them, and empower each child of the Sacred Heart to share those gifts with the global community.

GOALS

GOAL I A personal and active faith in God

GOAL II A deep respect for intellectual values

GOAL IV The building of community as a Christian value

GOAL III A social awareness which impels to action

GOAL V Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom 1

AT a GLANCE

Founded in 1881

700 students

89% of faculty have advanced degrees

17+ AAIS Tournament Championships in the last 5 years

2

6.7:1 student: teacher ratio

#1 all-girls Speech team in New York

60+ student-led clubs and organizations

159 Sacred Heart schools around the world

ACADEMICS Sacred Heart’s Middle and Upper Schools provide students with the critical discourse,

COURSE REQUIREMENTS n English

experiences, and self-discovery to help

n Mathematics*

them impact their community and

n MS: Religion/US: Theology

empower them with resilience, ethical

n MS: Social Studies/US:

discernment, and confidence. Vibrant

History and Social Sciences

offerings of student-led clubs, visual and

n Science*

performing arts, sports, and community

n Technology/Computer Science

service complement individually customized

n World Languages* (French,

curriculum across a range of disciplines,

Spanish, Latin, Mandarin)

encouraging students to explore their

n Physical Education

interests and grow as leaders. The low

n Performing and Visual Arts*

student to teacher ratio fosters meaningful

* Middle School (MS): Honors available

connections between students and faculty

* Upper School (US): Honors and Advanced courses available

in the form of support and mentorship.

STUDENT SUPPORTS Students benefit from a range of support services to facilitate their independence, executive functioning, and confidence. The Middle School Learning Specialist works with students both individually and in small groups to strengthen organization and cognitive skills by scaffolding classroom assignments. Middle School Wellness Days empower students to make safe, healthy choices and to communicate effectively with their peers.

In the Upper School, the Student Success Center provides ongoing support for each student from faculty advisors and Deans. A learning specialist and writing specialist also collaborate with teachers to support student’s academic growth. Importantly, students will meet regularly with the College Counseling team beginning in Grade 9.

3

INTELLECT

At Sacred Heart, students join a vibrant learning community that inspires curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Encouraged to become independent learners and creative collaborators, students take intellectual risks, learning from their mistakes. At each level, Goal II inspires them to build their skills of critical analysis, creative thinking, leadership, and ethical discernment.

I consider it a privilege to teach mathematics in an all-girls school.

Mathematics is a universal language; learning math helps to structure our thoughts and opens many doors.

—Emanuela Favaro, Middle School Math Department Chair

6

SPOTLIGHT:

12th Grade Capstone Project

Senior year culminates in an opportunity to pursue a mission-based capstone project in which students complete in-depth, collegiate level research on a subject of their choosing.

Each student presents the findings of her research in the spring of senior year to the broader school community.

The Psychology Behind Conspiracy Theories. From Calista: “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with our Head of School, Dr. Ciancaglini for my capstone project!

Psychology has always interested me, and I have been able to connect with world renowned psychologists about their research, as well as delve deeper into one of my interests outside of the classroom.”

Healthcare: African American Women’s Devastating Maternal Mortality Rates. From Maria: “I chose this topic because I want to bring awareness to our Sacred Heart community about one of many ways that racism permeates the American healthcare system. By educating ourselves on the racial inequality that pregnant African American women face, we are equipped with knowledge needed to change these injustices and fight for equality for all American healthcare.”

7

COMM

Each Sacred Heart student is valued and respected for who she is. As students grow in self-knowledge and confidence, they learn to value similarities and differences in others—both in school and beyond.

Their engagement with Goal IV and the global community inspires them to stand up for what they believe and effect meaningful change.

UNITY

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Through our science and technology curriculum, students grow in courage and confidence as they cultivate strengths and learn from their mistakes.

Science and technology are brought to life by identifying real world problems, generating creative solutions, and building and testing prototypes.

Sacred Heart’s recently completed FutureLab space includes a Life Sciences lab, two Chemistry labs, a Physics/Engineering lab, a research lab, an indoor atrium, and a digital media lab. The Makerspace features 3D printers, a university-grade laser cutter, a soldering station, an embroidery and sewing station, and sensors and electronics.

FutureLab will prepare our students to impact an increasingly complex world. Guided by our tremendously talented faculty and staff, our students will build the skills and confidence they need to navigate a constantly changing technological landscape.

10

MS & US LIFE

Photography

Dance

Robotics

Diversity, Awareness, & Inclusion Coalition

Student Government

Mock Trial

Team Sports

Engineering and Computer Science Club

Instrumental Music

Creative Writing

11

FAIT Goal 1 calls us to bring the love of God into the world. Our school community nurtures the spiritual lives of all its members as they explore the values of faith, hope and charity. Our religion curriculum focuses on an understanding of Catholicism as well as an awareness and acceptance of all religions.

Every student learns that she is unique and loved

by God.

TH

SPOTLIGHT:

11th Grade Theology Projects

The theology curriculum is rooted in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. During their time in Middle and Upper School students explore the Catholic sacraments, ethics and philosophy, as well as the main tenets of other world religions.

The academic study of theology is at the heart of the curriculum for all Upper School students.

Grade 11 students learn to do exegetical work and to use the historical-critical method in their interpretation of religious texts. Each student proposes a research project on a specific theme, and shares her findings with the class at the end of the year. Recent theology projects have included: An Analysis of the Death Penalty and its Relationship to Catholicism: Justice or First Degree Murder? From Sarah: “By researching the death penalty this past year, I have truly developed a heightened awareness for all human dignity and a greater sense of compassion and mercy for the imprisoned.”

14

Castro’s Cuba: The Complexity of Religious Oppression, Liberation Theology, and a Catholic Renewal. From Carolina: “I really enjoyed the process of researching my theology topic, liberation theology and Cuba, because it showed me how the government impacts the practice of faith and how we can find theology in political topics.

Through the dedication required to complete the full research process, I learned about the value of time management, exploring one’s interests, and asking larger “why?” questions.

— 11th Grade Student

15

As students grow in social awareness, compassion, and character, they discover a deep sense of purpose, drawing upon Goal III and their own unique talents to impact the world. They emerge from the Upper School’s transformative social justice program as leaders passionate about creating meaningful change, and confident that they can do so.

Visual Arts Sacred Heart’s Visual Arts program challenges students to consider what it means to be an artist, explore the role that art plays in shaping our culture, and experiment with different mediums and compositional strategies.

Courses in Middle School include Art and Ancient Cultures, 2D and 3D Art, and Contemporary Art; in Upper School, students delve into Sculpture, Ceramics, Painting, Photography, Film, 3D Design, Art History, and advanced level courses.

Performing Arts The robust Performing Arts curriculum empowers students to refine their performance, public speaking, and story-telling skills, as well as grow in self-confidence and responsiveness to others.

Drama and Music classes in Middle School cover Characterization Exploration, World Music & African Drumming, Western Theater, and Developing Voice through Music & Drama.

In Upper School, students can participate in Chorus, Orchestral Ensemble, Madrigals, and Music Theory. Both Middle and Upper School students may audition for musical and drama productions that take place throughout the school year.

18

Diversity, Equity and Community Life Rooted in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education, Sacred Heart values diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as integral parts of educating and empowering young women to lead lives of purpose that integrate faith, intellect, social action, community and personal

Service Learning Opportunities • Network of Sacred Heart Schools Summer Service Projects • Alternative Spring Break Service Learning Domestic & International Projects • Monthly Habitat for Humanity Builds • Ignatian Teach-In for Justice: Washington, D.C.

growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.

In addition to monthly studies of annual heritage months and cultural holidays,

• H.E.A.R.T. (Health, Education and Responsible Tools) Summer Program

students participate in lessons and

• YPI (Youth and Philanthropy Initiative)

conversations about identity and

• SIA (Students in Action)

diversity so that every child can have a deeper understanding of and appreciation for who she is and who her peers are, as well as better prepare for meaningful dialogue about and engagement in justice and action. Teachers incorporate Learning for Justice’s antibias framework into units of study, read alouds and interdisciplinary projects. Beyond the classroom, students engage in DEI through workshops, presentations, affinity spaces, cultural groups and all-school events.

19

In line with Goal V, students are continually supported as they grow and learn, celebrate successes, and make mistakes.

As they develop empathy and exercise resilience in meeting challenges, they discern what gives them a sense of meaning, and how to lead change within their communities.

PERSO GROW

ONAL WTH

Forensics Sacred Heart’s robust public speaking program

Key Achievements

challenges our young women to find and share

2x NY State Forensics League Champions

their unique voice. The forensics speech team is one of the most popular extracurricular activities with 20% of students competing in local, state and national competitions. Our team is proud

• 15 Awardees • 25 Qualifiers • 5th Place Sweepstakes • Top finishing independent school in New York state

to be one of the largest and most successful 8x National Qualifiers independent school teams in New York State.

• 2nd Place Sweepstakes at the NYCFL Grand Championship

• Top finishing independent school in New York City

22

Visiting Students Program Upper School students may choose to study at one of our Sacred Heart Network Schools in the U.S. or internationally for part of a semester. Students have recently studied in Nantes, France; Madrid and Barcelona, Spain; Rome, Italy; Dublin, Ireland; Sydney and Brisbane, Australia; and Taipei, Taiwan.

In the U.S., students have attended Sacred Heart Network schools in Miami, New Orleans, Omaha, San Francisco, Grand Coteau, Washington, D.C. and Seattle.

Exploring Entrepreneurship In Exploring Entrepreneurship, students spend one week in the San Francisco Bay Area through the Sacred Heart campus in Atherton and one week in New York City through the Sacred Heart campus in Manhattan. Students engage as a cohort in field visits with expert panels, workshops and learning, design sprints, and networking dinners and activities. During the academic year from September to May, a seminar series meets regularly with guest speakers for insight, discussion and reflection. During the second summer intensive, each 91st Street student will engage in their design sprint to identify a real-world problem and build a real-world solution.

23

At Sacred Heart, we ask each member of our community to open their hearts and seek a deeper understanding of the challenges that face our world. We encourage students to be agents of constructive change and move our faith towards action. Our hope is to build a more equitable society, where each person is valued and cared for.

—Michael Chung, Director of Community Outreach and Upper School Service 24

Our FACILITIES Buildings 1 and 7 The school is housed in two historic mansions which provide an extraordinary learning environment.

Middle School and Upper School

1 East 91st Street

FutureLab

Lower School 7 East 91st Street

Maker Space #2

On the lower level of our 91st Street buildings, Maker Space #1 our FutureLab brings together the science and technology classrooms for the entire school.

The students can also eat in the cafeteria or use community spaces Life Science to collaborate.

S.T.E.A.M. Labs

Atrium Cafeteria

Lab

Chemistry Labs

Athletics and Wellness Center Completed in 2014, the Athletics and Wellness Center is a state-of-the art, 60,000 square foot facility that allows students of all ages to swim, play sports, work out or dance.

Dance Studio and Training Facilities

Full-size Gymnasium

25 Yard Pool

406 East 91st Street

Convent of the Sacred Heart 1 East 91st Street New York, NY 10128-0689 212.722.4745 www.cshnyc.org

Convent of the Sacred Heart admits students of any race, religion, color, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic or other school-administered programs.